Taxonomy

Phylum:

Ochrophyta

Subphylum:

Phaeista

Superclass:

Fucistia

Class:

Phaeophyceae

Order:

Fucales

Family:

Sargassaceae

Genus:

Cystophora

Species:

pectinata

General Description

Long strongly zig-zagged central stalk (stipe) appearing oval-shaped (in cross section) with strongly zig-zagged flattened branches arising in an alternating pattern on one plane which have sub-branches. Branchlets (ramuli) are usually found towards the tips of the branches and are arranged on one plane evenly on both sides (pinnate, or fern-like arrangement) of the sub-branch which has a narrow vein (rib) along the mid section. Holdfast at base is a simple and disc-conical shaped. Medium to dark brown. Up to 80 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species usually occurs in deeper water and can be found in drift.